Is birth control really going to help my symptoms?

Hi there , Thank you for reaching out & for your question. I'd first like to say, that it is important to remember that what may work well for someone with endo may not for another & treatment experiences specifically with birth control vary greatly from person to person. I can personally say, that while I was on birth control pills (various types), it did not provide me with my symptom relief from my endo. That being said, I have now had the Mirena for a few years and that has helped greatly to lessen my period & overall endo symptoms. On the flip side, I experience a lot of breakthrough bleeding during the month which is frustrating & it impacts my mood.

Secondly, I wanted you to know that we also shared this question on our Facebook page. Are you by chance active on there? If so, many members have shared their feedback on this topic. You can check it out here.

Lastly, it is always a good idea when possible to seek another opinion if you are not satisfied with your treatment & care by your current provider. Did your current provider recommend a Laparoscopy? That is typically the "gold standard" to verify an endo diagnosis. You can read more about that here.

I hope some of this was helpful! Reach out anytime & do keep us posted if you can as things progress or when you learn more. Best of luck!!

If it were me I'd get a second opinion. It took 15 years for me to find a doctor who took my concerns about endometriosis seriously. Several doctors disregarded my concerns or didn't want to do anything other than put me on birth control. I had a laparoscopy to remove the endometrium and now I am on birth control to completely stop my periods. The surgery made a big difference and I don't want to go through another one. Even with birth control I still get cramps, body aches, multiple other symptoms, and sometimes experience weeks of spotting. Without the birth control I will have a non-stop period so until I can get my ovaries removed I will keep taking it. My treatment options are limited because of family risk of ovarian cancer so my doctor feels it's the best choice. I have an appointment in a few weeks with a doctor that may be able to prescribe medical marijuana; it's legal in my state now. I'm hoping that will help.

! Hi there. Just wanted to check in and see how you were doing. Did you end up getting a second opinion or finding any relief from taking your BC? I know everyone is different in what works for them. Some may find relief using BC, others may not. It was back and forth for me. I did and didn't find relief.

I also always think second, third, fourth opinions are absolutely worth it. Keep fighting until you receive answers! Hoping since you last commented, you have been able to find relief though <3 -Kimberli (Team Member)

I did get a second opinion with a doctor who treats endometriosis and I got a laparoscopic excision surgery just 4 days ago. I did find some relief from continously taking the birth control (skipping my periods) and managing the pain with naproxen. But ultimately decided surgery was the best thing for me long term. Now I'm just recovering and hoping for the best!